Vajeeh Pottammal

As a Head of Retail Operations and Marketing & Business Development at Medon Pharmacy Group, I lead strategic initiatives that drive retail excellence, market expansion, and sustainable growth across the organization. With extensive experience in pharmacy retail management, business development, and marketing strategy, I focus on optimizing store performance, strengthening brand presence, and identifying new growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive healthcare retail landscape. My role involves overseeing multi-branch retail operations, implementing data-driven marketing campaigns, enhancing customer engagement strategies, and developing scalable business models that support the group’s long-term expansion vision. I am passionate about building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, and transforming innovative ideas into measurable business results. I work closely with leadership and operational teams to ensure that every initiative contributes to stronger market positioning and superior customer experiences. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation, I remain focused on expanding the Medon brand footprint, strengthening partnerships, and delivering impactful healthcare retail solutions across the region.

As a Retail Pharmacy Business Development and Marketing Manager, I play a strategic role in driving growth, innovation, and market presence for the Medon pharmacy Group . My responsibilities encompass market analysis, identifying business opportunities, customer engagement, and crafting data-driven strategies to increase sales, profitability, and brand visibility. Business Development & Strategy • Marketing Campaign Management • Market & Competitive Analysis • Partnership Development • Data-Driven Decision Making • Customer Engagement & Experience Enhancement • Sales Performance Optimization • Stakeholder Collaboration Develop and execute innovative business development strategies to expand market share and boost customer acquisition. • Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic decision-making. • Lead marketing campaigns, promotions, and events to enhance brand awareness and drive sales. • Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders. • Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess business growth and campaign effectiveness. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations and sales, to align business objectives and ensure seamless execution. • Manage product launches, pricing strategies, and customer loyalty initiatives to improve the overall customer experience. • Identify and resolve operational challenges impacting sales and customer engagement. • Lead the execution of health awareness campaigns and community engagement activities. This role allows me to contribute to shaping the future of Medon pharmacy by promoting innovation, improving customer experiences, and delivering sustained business growth.

As Regional Manager I led retail operations across a dynamic network of over 100+ pharmacy outlets, driving transformative business growth, operational excellence, and people development. With full P&L accountability, I played a pivotal role in achieving remarkable increases in revenue, profitability, and campaign effectiveness, establishing benchmarks in retail healthcare excellence. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Strategically oversaw 100+ pharmacy locations across the UAE, ensuring consistent performance and alignment with organizational goals. • Delivered record-breaking growth in revenues and profits, surpassing yearly KPIs through targeted sales strategies and operational execution. • Spearheaded high-impact retail campaigns, leading to significant increases in Rx and non pharma(Non-Medicine Sales) across all stores. • Drove excellence in business development, identifying new opportunities, optimizing product mix, and maximizing customer engagement. • Championed people development, mentoring over 700+ store staff and leaders, fostering a high-performance culture and succession pipeline. • Implemented loss prevention and inventory controls, reducing shrinkage and ensuring high stock availability with optimal working capital. • Ensured strict compliance with healthcare regulations and operational standards, including Regulatory requirements. • Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, supply chain, training, and HR to streamline operations and enhance service delivery. • Led turnaround strategies for underperforming stores, transforming them into growth drivers through focused performance management.

Assist in managing day-to-day operations across assigned pharmacy outlets, ensuring adherence to SOPs, brand standards, and service quality. • Monitor sales performance, Rx growth, NMS (Non-Medicine Sales), and operational KPIs to drive business outcomes. • Support implementation of retail strategies including promotions, campaign rollouts, and seasonal initiatives. • Guide and coach Store Managers and pharmacists to achieve store-wise goals in sales, compliance, inventory, and customer service. • Ensure compliance with DHA/DOH regulations and company protocols in prescription handling, controlled medications, and licensing. • Conduct regular store visits, audits, and performance evaluations to identify gaps and initiate corrective actions. • Support new store launches, relocations, and refurbishments in line with business expansion plans. • Contribute to recruitment, training, and capability development programs in collaboration with HR and L&D.

As an Area Manager at Aster Pharmacy, I lead the retail operations across a cluster of pharmacies, driving business growth, operational excellence, and team performance in alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives. My role combines leadership, commercial insight, and healthcare compliance to ensure consistent customer experience and profitability. Key Responsibilities: • Oversee end-to-end operations of multiple retail pharmacy outlets, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and SOPs. • Drive revenue growth and profitability by optimizing store performance, product mix, and customer engagement strategies. • Monitor and analyze KPIs including sales, prescription growth, inventory health, and customer satisfaction across all managed locations. • Lead, mentor, and develop store managers and pharmacy teams to achieve sales targets, compliance, and service standards. • Implement promotional campaigns, seasonal strategies, and new product rollouts in coordination with marketing and merchandising teams. • Ensure regulatory and DHA/DOH compliance in all operations, including pharmacist licensing, prescription handling, and controlled medications. • Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, HR, training, and finance to support operational efficiency and staff development. • Manage recruitment, training, and performance evaluations in coordination with HR to maintain a high-performing team. • Conduct regular store audits and reviews to maintain standards in visual merchandising, hygiene, and stock availability.

Pharmacy Retail operations

As a Store Manager cum Licensed Pharmacist at Aster Pharmacy, I was responsible for leading day-to-day store operations while ensuring the highest standards of pharmaceutical care, customer service, and business performance. My dual role combined clinical expertise with retail and team leadership, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and profitability. Key Responsibilities: • Delivered accurate and ethical dispensing of medications while ensuring compliance with DHA regulations and company SOPs. • Managed end-to-end pharmacy operations, including inventory control, merchandising, cash flow, and store audits. • Led a team of pharmacists, assistants, and front-end staff, focusing on daily performance, training, and customer engagement. • Achieved and exceeded monthly sales and profitability targets by implementing promotional strategies and upselling initiatives. • Monitored prescription trends and collaborated with nearby clinics and healthcare providers to enhance Rx generation. • Maintained optimal stock levels, reduced expiries, and ensured FIFO compliance through efficient inventory practices. • Provided personalized patient counseling and ensured high levels of customer satisfaction and trust. • Oversaw documentation, insurance billing, and controlled drug handling with full regulatory compliance.

1. Doctor Calling & Product Promotion: • Visit doctors (GPs, specialists) as per the daily call plan to promote assigned products. • Deliver product detailing using visual aids and samples. • Educate doctors about indications, dosage, efficacy, and side effects. 2. Territory Coverage & Planning: • Plan and execute coverage of territory in a systematic manner. • Maintain frequency of visits and develop strong rapport with doctors and chemists. 3. Prescription Generation: • Increase prescriptions for Sanofi Aventis brands through consistent engagement. • Track and report prescription trends from top prescribers. 4. Retail and Stockist Interaction: • Ensure product availability at retail chemists and stockists. • Monitor stock movement and communicate issues like short supply or expiries to the reporting manager. 5. Reporting & Documentation: • Submit daily call reports and monthly performance summaries.

Sales & Business Development: • Achieve and exceed sales targets for the assigned territory. • Identify and develop new business opportunities with healthcare providers and institutions. • Promote and detail pharmaceutical products to doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. • Territory Management: • Plan and execute daily field activities, including appointments and follow-ups. • Maintain an updated customer database and track interactions. • Monitor competitor activities and market trends to adjust strategies accordingly.  • Distributor & Stockist Coordination: • Manage relationships with distributors and stockists to ensure product availability. • Oversee inventory levels and coordinate timely supply chain operations. • Reporting & Documentation: • Submit regular sales reports, forecasts, and market feedback to management. • Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Prescription Handling: • Review and interpret prescriptions from healthcare providers. • Dispense medications accurately and counsel patients on proper usage, dosage, and potential side effects. 2. Customer Service: • Assist customers in selecting OTC (over-the-counter) products. • Provide drug-related information, answer queries, and build strong customer relationships. 3. Inventory & Stock Management: • Maintain adequate stock levels. • Conduct regular stock checks, expiry audits, and follow FIFO (First In, First Out) method. • Raise purchase orders as required. 4. Compliance & Documentation: • Adhere to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Pharmacy Practice Regulations. • Maintain prescription records, billing, and daily sales reports. • Ensure proper documentation of narcotics and Schedule H/H1 drugs.